Silent heart attacks, often without obvious symptoms, represent an insidious health risk. This article explores the subtle signs of a silent heart attack and suggests methods to reduce the associated risks.
Understanding silent heart attacks
Contrary to dramatic portrayals, a silent heart attack is characterized by few or no noticeable symptoms. These events, also known as silent myocardial ischemia, can go undetected because they do not present the classic symptoms of a heart attack. Approximately 45% of heart attacks are silent, with a higher risk in women.
The triggering factors
Silent heart attacks are usually caused by atherosclerosis, where cholesterol plaques build up in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Risk factors include smoking, a high-salt diet, stress, type 2 diabetes, a family history of heart disease, preeclampsia, and factors related to age and sex.
Identify the signs
Persistent flu symptoms : Flu-like symptoms that last may indicate a silent heart attack.
Swelling and bloating : Fluid retention due to poor blood circulation can lead to swelling of the extremities and abdomen.
Excessive sweating : Abnormal sweating, even in cool conditions, can be a warning sign.
Chest pain and heartburn : Pain in the chest, often mistaken for digestive problems, can signal a heart attack.
Various pains : The pain can spread to the right arm, jaw, teeth, abdomen, and back.
Unusual fatigue : Extreme fatigue, accompanied by dizziness and difficulty breathing, may be a sign of a heart attack.
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